Rangitoto is a very unique hike up a volcano that was active about 600-700 years ago. You will be spending majority of the journey going up but I recommend taking your time to keep your heart rate in a Zone 2 level. Don't let others rush you on this hike and if your with a group and you can identify who the slowest member is then put them at the front so the slower folks don't get put through the meat grinder. I would highly recommend lots of water, hydralyte, hiking shoes or proper trainers and workout or hiking gear to wear. Great views above and the lava caves are unique. The paths can be very uneven so take care and watch your footing. Pack a lunch or snacks and enjoy at the top of the summit. You definitely need a moderate level of fitness on this hike but don't rush it.
Contacts & Location
📍 Address: Auckland 1071, New Zealand
🌐 Website: doc.govt.nz
Photos
Reviews
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Monica Garner ★★★★★
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Emma I ★★★★★
The caves are wonderful - worth walking through! The crater is super lush and making a loop through Mackenzie bay had a great little beach!
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David Vincent ★★★★★
Good variety of walks in addition to the Summit track, which is about one hour one way. I returned to the wharf via the Mackenzie Bay route so I could see the lighthouse. Suggested timing is 2.5 hours; you may do in less time. It just depends perhaps on how much time you spend on the beach. Have a look at the island map before you go along with the ferry schedule. It's definitely good for all ages. Bring water, food/snacks, and sunblock. Great views! Debatable on cost given all the beautiful tracks on NZ.
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Claire White ★★★★★
What a beautiful place to visit. The walk is relatively easy for the most part and extremely well maintained. The last bit has some medium grade steps that did push my cardio a little, but plenty of beautiful places to stop and admire the view (catch your breath). We went at the very end of Spring and the weather was great but not yet too hot. Take plenty of fluids and snacks as there are no shops on the island, and make sure to only take your rubbish home. We went on the 10.15 am ferry, which gave us ample time to do several walks before the last ferry back at 4.30pm. We did a slow stroll to the summit and followed the cave track on the way down. Then we branched off for the Kidney Fern trail (remarkable little plants with leaves so thin you can see through them), and finished with a walk around the coast to see the historic baches. A fabulous day out suitable for most ages and abilities.
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Sasha ★★★★★
Beautiful track! Although the visibility was poor when I visited, the track itself is amazing and the lava caves were fantastic to see! I took the 10.30am ferry, and it took me (relatively young, fit, and healthy) 40 minutes from the wharf to the summit, 15 minutes to walk the loop around the crater, 30 minutes to the lava caves then 20 minutes exploring the lava caves, and 30 minutes back to the wharf leaving me woth half an hour before the 2.20 ferry It was quite physically demanding! And very warm due to the volcanic rock but well worth it!
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Brittany Gagne ★★★★★
Totally worth the ferry ticket. An amazing and unique landscape, the views of the crater at the top are really cool. Great views of Auckland city and the surrounding areas from the top too.
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Ciska Craig-Cochrane ★★★★★
Beautiful easy enough hike to the top of the old volcano. We did it with 5 and 7 year olds. Just make sure to pack plenty of snacks and water. Comfy shoes are a must. Even though a lot of the track from Islington to the summit had tree coverage it can get pretty hot and humid out there. Well marked and maintained walkways, but some of the rocks can be slippery underfoot.
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Corrie Heystek ★★☆☆☆
Small rocks on all walkways make it slippery under foot. Roads are poorly marked. Erotion due to rain/floods on Rongitoto summit track. Dongas are formed for about 2 km No fresh water on island. Pitt toilets smelly. Last ferry at 4pnm. Not able to do all routes on the island due to poor road conditions that slow you down. NOT an easy climb. Heavy on the feet.
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Nico Smith ★★★★★
A straightforward but beautiful hike. Easy enough that toddlers were walking up the trail as well. The lava rocks soak up heat, so definitely bring water as you’ll be sweating. Great views at the summit and not too crowded on a weekday.
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John Chiu ★★★★★
Rangitoto is the youngest and largest of the approximately 50 volcanoes of the Auckland volcanic field, having formed in an eruption about 600 years ago. It was set aside as a recreation reserve in 1890 and became a favourite spot for daytrippers. In addition, Rangitoto and neighbouring Motutapu Islands were officially declared pest-free with both islands. For the ferry schedule, only one outbound ferry can be selected, and multiple return ferry for chosen. If you buy the ticket from the Fullers360 website, you can have approximately 10% off the ticket price. Furthermore, you can still book an overnight bach on the island. Today's track is the Rangitoto summit track, which will cost you an hour and 2.5 kilometers to the viewpoint. There are some attractions that can be reached through the forks along the track, such as Islington bay, Wilson's park track, and Lava cave.
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FAQs
How can I get to Rangitoto Summit Track?
You can find directions to Rangitoto Summit Track by following this map link